Gintama

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Ah, Gintama. One of the best and most complete current manga in Jump. Its premise is intriguing and unique (aliens in historical Japan? Who would have thought it?). It has great characters--ranging from the diabetic lazy samurai Gintoki to the samurai who has a mayo addiction Hijikata to the stalker ninja Sa-chan and so on. All of them blend together well without feeling out of place and flat. No matter where Sorachi puts them in, they always get at least one huge guffaw from me. Its brand of comedy doesn't consist only of repetitive and sometimes obscure references, but it's also a very satirical commentary ... on Japanese society reflected in feudal Edo. Though Gintama is first and foremost a gag manga, with all chapters merely snippets of the Yorozuya's different interactions with themselves and other people in the Amanto (Gintama's term for aliens)-filled Edo, Sorachi Hideaki manages to slip in a few serious action arcs to show a little semblance of an actual plot. And when he does, he brings his A-game. All serious arcs in Gintama are great, they either keep you on the edge of your seat eagerly anticipating what happens next or reduce you to a bawling little girl with every sudden sad twist. Sorachi Hideaki definitely is a master at balancing hearty laughs with testosterone-laden action and heartwarming drama without it feeling shoehorned in to the story. Gintama is already an awesome manga but it could use an improvement in the art department. Don't get me wrong, I'm no art connossieur, but sometimes the characters look stiff and hastily done but other than that there really is nothing to complain about. Comedy and action rarely mix together well, but in Gintama it does perfectly. With well-written storylines and almost uncanny comedic sense, Sorachi Hideaki's Gintama should not disappoint. GO. READ. IT. NOW.

I have never written an review for any anime or manga before, but I absolutely had to make the exception for Gintama. (I apologize if my English is not perfect before hand...)
It always feels so much easier to start series that have only 12 volumes or episodes. I have always personally stayed away from the longer running shows, as I have thought for them to be a waste of time, when I could finish 20 or more series in their time. Gintama truly showed me how wrong I was about how I thought.

Gintama does not only have the most colorful and large cast of characters ... but an overall interesting story and rich world. Whilst the series does seem quite innocent type of comedy manga for quite a few chapters, Sorachi does show later on his clear talent to write good action packed shonen too. What I feel like I should specially praise is how Gintoki Sakata is like, as he is far from what you would think an average anime role model or shonen hero is like. Whilst other protagonist's do have their bad sides too to make them seem more human and bad at something, Gintoki is instead the last person you should take model after. In other words, a drunken broke mess of an man. Still, Gintoki manages to be the most human than any other character I have seen, whilst still influencing everyone's lives around him.

The overall score for the story from me is easily a 10. Giving any less would feel wrong. Each chapter, no matter if it was an stand alone story or part of an long going arch felt special. All of the chapters gave you an interesting, thrilling and absolutely chaotic dumb experience, that made me laugh, cry and face palm with the characters time and time over. Some of the side stories felt more stupid than I could tell, but they still tied up always well and felt like a good part of Gintama in the end. There was not a single chapter that felt like a bore to read.

For the art I would give an good 9. I am not an pro when it comes to describing art, but I think Gintama had a beautiful style and nice warm feeling to it. The art style was able to make the world seem more alive and convey feelings well. Fight scenes were absolutely amazing through the art too to follow.

As I stated before, I loved the characters of Gintama, so 10 is easily the right choice from me. It is impressive for me how Gintama has so many characters with so many colorful personalities. Many other shorter and longer mangas/animes do not pull it as well as Gintama did. Still, what I appriciated more with the chars was that they could all go from 0 to 100 and backwards so fast. From an all super serious moment, things suddenly could turn full on comedic without making it feel too out of place, more like part of whom the characters were.

What can I say for the enjoyment? I loved it. The comedy, the fights, sad parts and slight fan service. It all tied down well making the manga extremely enjoyable and fun to follow all the way from the beginning to the end. easy 10.

Overall score: 10 I would give Gintama even more, since the manga has become a very close part of me. I loved it from the first chapter to the very last. Usually, at the end of such masterpieces, I would say that I'd feel incredibly empty, knowing that I won't be able to read or watch more of the characters adventures, but with Gintama, I feel extremely happy and fulfilled. I got so much good out of gintama and will keep praising it for all days to come. So, instead of being empty after reading Gintama, I feel like I got my own silver lining to my soul.

Thank you for the great journey odd jobs and the cheese cake, Sorachi.

"At its heart Gintama is a science fiction human pseudo-historical comedy. The bottom line is that this is a nonsense manga. But I don't believe in telling readers what to think, so read it any way you like." - Hideaki Sorachi.

Gintama is a fantastically creative work with an endless appeal; as consistent, funny and compelling now as it was five years ago.

The story - for the most part - is told in a rather episodic fashion, with each chapter presenting a different plot. These chapters are largely comedic and follow the huge cast finding themselves in all sorts of hilarious situations. Hideaki Sorachi - the ... author - makes use of many ingenious gags and plot devices to avoid repetition, and also explores a variety of story arcs which add a sense of heightened drama to an otherwise predominantly humourous series. The story arcs expand on the characters in a way the stand-alone chapters cannot, and add more variety and narrative to the series. Certain chapters are better than others, but Sorachi rarely falters - he keeps up the momentum after all these years and still manages to present consistently brilliant stories, ideas, characters and concepts.

Sorachi rarely uses any sketchy effects in his artwork, nor does he display much shading. His lines are very bold and he almost never makes use of double page spreads. Gintama, however, does not require such extravagance. It is a fairly dialogue-heavy manga and while it does contain action, it is a predominantly comedic series. Sorachi pays close attention to panel placement and timing to best communicate his comedy to the reader. Artwork is half that communication, however, and Sorachi never misses the mark. His artwork has steadily improved since the series' inception and his character designs are a real stand-out element.

Over the years, Sorachi has built up a phenomenally large supporting cast, along with three unforgettable main characters. Some supporting members have almost become as integral as the main cast itself, with Sorachi making sure no-one goes amiss; he frequently uses his supporting characters no matter how minor to the story they may be. Certain characters are more well-rounded than others, but such is the nature of a gag-based series; Gintama's characters needn't be intricate, complex beings. The story arcs greatly expand on the cast, however, adding background and a soul to characters otherwise present solely for comedic relief, all the while opening up new directors and opportunities for them to take.

The comedy in Gintama has a fantastic range; from toilet humour to meticulously executed gags to parodies of popular culture, both Japanese and Western. The series displays a rich assortment of genres and a full embrace of its fanatical setting; creativity and imagination run wild. Despite being a predominantly comedic series, Gintama has so much more to offer; in its characters, its setting, its sheer originality and inventiveness - it's a manga that keeps on giving and one not to be missed.

I can´t express how much Gintama change me and my sourrounding. How much I LOVE this series from the VERY bottom of my heart. The characters were real, complete real persons in my eyes. heart and soul.
There is no series perfect in every aspect in every moment, and Gintama is no exception. Even thought is very close to that in so many times and aspects, and yet is not a series that apeal to the objective aspect of a Series. Gintama want to apeal to the heart and soul of a person. The meaning of Gintama as silver soul is no "joke".
As the same way ... that I can´t express myself about how change me, I can´t do it to an extent when I would get close to what Gintama is like as a series, as a whole.
I will only say that there is no series more real and at the same time absurdly crazy than this one, no other that make you react in so contradictory ways and plays with your own feelings as a reader. No series that get in your soul more than anything, than Gintama.

*This review was originally for 13 and has consequently been merged into Gintama*

Story:
It's from the creator of Gintama, Hideaki Sorachi so you would expect some ridiculous slapstick humour, action and even a bit of drama, this one shot definitely delivers in aspects in even with its length. This could have even worked as an episode of Gintama. Despite being a One Shot, it manages to make a the story interesting enough, although it does help you appreciate it more if you're already a fan of Gintama since it would be easier for you to "get" the humour.

Art:
There isn't anything about the art ... that can be considered outstanding, still the overall quality of it is decent. The character design and art is mostly simplistic but it has it's own charm.

Characters:
Given that this was a One Shot it hardly left any room for character development but it did manage to make the two central characters interesting enough.

Overall:
I felt that it could have fleshed out the story a bit more with a few more pages of Golgo's hilarious attempts to assassinate Fujieda but all in all it was enjoyable for what it was, definitely worth the read if you're a fan of Gintama/Sorachi or just looking for a short comedy/action manga to read

*This review was originally for Bankara and has consequently been merged into Gintama*

This a one shot, that was like been written like one, so I will try to be fast.

Bankara is a parody of the society, and some other things, written from one my favorites mangakas Sorachi Hideaki. It talk about the way that our world is walking on and "growth" on. It's a society with many problems, more of them even the people don`t really understanding them. Most of the people are trying to find there way to the freedom, delinquents often are being seen like that. In this manga they are like the ... stupid rebels, the normal students are like the people of the grown society and someone, our girl, have the mission to protect the morals, the law and the peace of this society, but even she don`t really understand it, she is just force to do it. In society like that come someone like our hero. He is coming from the past, actually from a society with almost the same problems, they just become even bigger with the time. But even then he could become what he is... He is no really so great man, that is doing revolution to change the world or something like that... No, no... He is simple destroying with brutal strength. He is destroying everything that he one of this bullshits. And this is written to us, the young people, because we are the future and he want to tell us to stop believing in the hypocrisy of out society and to brake out of it's prison when our senses of real freedom (if we really one to call this freedom) are the best.

P.S. Sorry for my poor writing skills on this language, and of course you always have the right to think about me like an idiot, because i believe that this manga is actually good. But you are human too, therefore you are an idiot too.

Who doesn’t enjoy reading idioms and puns almost every other manga window? Granted that you also don’t mind some fun jokes tossed in your direction, I’m pretty sure that you’re going to be satisfied with this series. One can be sure to say that resistance to at least some laughing is purely futile in this series. From chapter one, I cannot say that I have not at least laughed less than perhaps 50seconds to almost every single chapter. Maybe it’s just me that is often easily amused, but this series is anything but commonplace, dull, or morose.

Revolving around the last reigns of the samurai era, ... we are introduced to this new sort of Edo, Japan and world. It is one that includes co-existence with “aliens,” also known as Amanto. The main protagonists make encounters with those who are trying to live their life the way the want to and can, those who are trying to protect the current way of living, and those who want to remove the current situation and return back to traditional ways of life. It’s as though there’s a new sort of “bureaucracy” running amok now that aliens are trying to change lifestyles on the Earth. And so, the story embarks on the many adventures and confrontations that this main characters’ team strikes upon. Beginning from little side, freelance jobs that the team accepts from others to major battles against revolutionists that the team fights for others, the characters and stories develop and change with inclusions of comedy and drama.

The most important aspects that struck my interest were probably the insanely funny moments and expressions put into this series. From chapter to chapter there is some insertion of some sort of theme of fun and/or comedy. And yet, don’t get me wrong; this isn’t entirely something just for laughs. The drama incorporated into this brilliantly devised series is fascinating to read as well. At times, however, one may ponder, “wait, how was this relevant to anything?” That’s the thing. The story is like a maelstrom of randomosity and episodicity. In other words, I’d say that the audience is flung into this mess of small arcs and “filler-like” sequences/storylines and well, into random new “alternate universes,” too. Additionally, the story generally has fairly dreadful transitions; you’re hopping from one story to the next basically after each “mini-arc;” and some times, you may just get altogether confused, perplexed and even angry by the all the hysteria. Moreover, there’s always a tinge of “predictability” in what will surely happen. As unappealing as that may sound, it’s actually still amazingly fun to read. Although the ridiculousness of this series is incredible, I don’t believe that I wasted any of my time experiencing any of it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself just reading about random “philosophies” and so-called “life lessons” from the stories involved in this series. Then even though the small arcs and “real” storylines that the mangaka does work around are actually very intriguing and exciting to read more about, I can’t suppress my anticipation for more of the “main” storyline to continue forward.

Regardless, I believe that the elements of adventure, comedy, drama, suspense, thrill, and tragedy are all thoroughly integrated into this story even if it may seem too randomized and episodic. Nothing is tremendously wrong with something that doesn’t dive straight into a detailed and convoluted or direct and simplistic plotline. One should just appreciate the hearty comedy that is fed directly to him, honestly. Maybe I’m being too obsessive when I say that? Nah, I won’t deny the fact that there have been a couple chapters where I was like, to the mangaka, “Um, Sorachi-sensei, why did you even bother writing and drawing about such plainness?” For example, there have been a couple chapters regarding completely irrelevant topics to the manga story or main characters. But, c’mon really? I still laughed my head off and enjoyed the read thoroughly because of its insight and hilarity. Altogether, the stories that this mangaka expresses and illustrates are of great ingenuity and practicality. Wait, did you catch that? Yes, I did say practicality because, to say the least, I felt like I’ve learned more (about life and its whims) from this series than from all of my exposure and experiences with other anime and manga. Even so, if you’re thinking that there’s still no point of reading something without a solid plotline, you’re mistaken. This is a series that’s perhaps going to inspire you to think about certain matters differently. And, hey, I think that’s an admirable feat and offering to an audience. Thus, don’t feel like it’s going to be an entire waste of your time on this series.

Anyway, let’s move onto another significant factor (maybe not the best “number two” evaluation tool but whatever) when one decides to read manga… The art. Now, this is not at all an issue. I actually find the art-style more unique and clean than most other styles. This isn’t your “typical” Shounen Jump art or something full of GAR-like characters. [[Then again, what’s qualified as “typical," eh?]] This has a great mixture of almost shoujo-like but still shounen-like artistry. Furthermore, the background designs and incorporations of other illustrates besides character designs are very neat and pretty to view. Yet, I can’t say that this series contains the best art ever because it really isn’t the best of the best. Even so, I believe that the imagery and scenery are both illustrated in extremely appropriate methods and styles. There have been a few characters and some random usages of crazy-looking characters but it just adds to the overall hilarity of the story itself. Furthermore, some characterizations and portrayals are probably done for further amusement. I did indeed get some great laughs from some fun character insertions Sorachi provided. Then, the way and style of which he was able to draw out action scenes and also “thriller-scenes” and then “emotional scenes,” and well every other “dramatized” scene were altogether masterful and skillful. Moreover, the flow of scenes in each story was further emphasized and clearly offered to the audience; never was anything too abrupt or confusing. Everything about the art did help add to my enjoyment of this series. In conclusion, the art proved to be impressive and helpful to move the story and interest forward.

Thirdly, about the characters and their personalities… To be honest, I don’t think that there’s a single character that just annoys me to an extremity; and I believe that is important for some who think that a single character can ruin a story. The personalities really do grow on you in spite of the fact that there some initially slightly bothersome persona out in the series… Then again, you can’t really blame people to act certain ways because it’s just in their particular nature to do so… A person can only be so nice and only be so mean? Meh, I’m not trying to say that everyone is perfectly likable at the first introduction; since, you’ve got your typical weak main character who strives to become stronger and then, your fairly strong character that’s always winning fights, then you’ve got your typical random jokers and clowns around, too. Even so, you grow to understand why these characters are these ways and well, at least for me, learn to appreciate each and everyone's existence. The development of these characters is fairly random, but, Sorachi does take the time to give each character almost realistic personality and spirit. All characters also take the opportunity to actually learn and feel from certain experiences that are essentially important to real life as well. Furthermore, no one is extremely dull or boring to further read about. After certain characters are introduced, I personally felt an urge to find out more about that one person. There were a couple folks that didn’t get much of a huge spotlight as well as some who got too much “camera-time.” Nevertheless, I thought everyone was generally described and portrayed in a more or less distributive and fair way. As with most series, once you’ve laid your eyes on one particular character, you’re almost guaranteed that you will enjoy the descriptions and details entailing that character because of the elaborations and creativity of the plot as well.

Finally, the enjoyment factor. Although this series is random as much whatever else random series you’ve probably read/watched before, I have to say that this can deliver greater and heartier laughs. There are also a few of times where you can also shed a tear or two in this series, thus you’re not just enjoying the whirlwind of ridiculousness 24/7. The drama and suspense entanglement also draws one into the series since there are sometimes “cliffhangers” that you just are at a point where you’re struggling to know more. The characters themselves are also eventually lovable as before mentioned. Then, the philosophies and puns spun in every direction towards you are also just exciting and amusing to read. All in all, even with the extreme randomness, the series has practically every element to a so-called “great story” that is possible; with substance or not, this story never ceases to entertain the audience in one way or another.

Lastly, although this sounds like a bunch of tedious ramblings, I do hope that you, whoever, reads this, do give this manga a try. By no means am I saying that this is the most perfect manga ever because it still rivals against a lot of greater epics, but this is a grand treasure chest in the ocean of manga. It’s yet another classic series that deserves more credit than it’s granted. And wouldn’t you want another series “just for laughs?” [ps. I know that this “just for laughs” phrase has a copyright, hence the quote marks. Also, don’t you go thinking, “Oh, the anime was only so-so, so I won’t give it a try.” You haven’t experienced the full Gintama adventure without reading the original manga, my friends. pss. I bet most of you were like “tl;dr.” Then, just read the manga itself; it’s more worth your time.]

To get something straight right off the bat, you will find flaws with the artwork. In the same way that you will flind flaws with works like Kaiji, Shingeki no Kyojin, and Hunter x Hunter, you will have to move past these to appreciate the rest of it.

That being said, this manga is probably my favorite of all time.

The characters and the world they live in is colorful, over-the-top, and downright cartoonish, while at the same time being relatable, sympathetic, and strangely unforgettable. Gintama is a sort of subversion of the "steampunk" archetype in that it places samurai era Japan amongst high-tech modern and ... futuristic settings. You may even find yourself learning a bit of Japanese history while watching aliens shoot each other with laser pistols.

The story is segmented into "serious arcs" and episodes that you could call "filler" although they do set up and develop characters and their motivations which are referenced many times at later points in the series. Eventually the series does wrap up all of the loose plot points into one major and final arc that resolves questions that have existed since the beginning of the series.

We've all probably experienced the joys of watching light-hearted comedy animes turn gradually towards a more serious and action-oriented approach, and this one is no exception to that rule. It's a long long long run but it really has something for everyone as a satisfying payoff.

Gintama is a highly advanced series for Western English-speaking people because the jokes are very quick and usually have multiple layers of Japanese wordplay and pop-culture references that are likely to leave you feeling confused.

At the same time Gintama is basically full of "toilet humor" so if subtlety is more your speed you will not find much of that here. If you're looking for a shonen manga where nothing is sacred including (or especially) the shonen genre itself, then you have to give Gintama a read!

Gintama is like a toilet seat.

(I don't know if this applies to women.... please tell me...)

When you want to take a dump, where do you want to do it?
Most likely at home right? Where your ass is already used to the shape of the toilet seat and it just... you can't explain it but.....
it just feels right.

I mean, when you use the schools toilet or anyone else's toilet, it just feels weird and even uncomfortable.

... When you get used to the toilet seat though(most likely not because you aren't going to be shitting that much) it's going to feel great.
Like your home toilet seat, you can sit on it for almost an unlimited amount of time, and its just going to start feeling right again.

The same logic applies to Gintama. People never take the time to get used to it's weirdness, but once they do get comfortable and accept it, you'll have almost nothing that can compare to it. You'll be able to watch/read Gintama practically forever and not get bored of it, because the characters are very unique and fun.

If no one feels this analogy, I'm probably just weird.... I would just replace everything with farts and apply the logic.

I wrote a long Gintama review but it got deleted, but if I find it, it'll most likely be on my profile or posted sometime in the future when I add more to it.
I'll be on my toilet if anyone needs me.

Easily the best animanga of all time, shit I just might even say my favorite piece of media as a whole. Nothing has impacted my life as much as the lessons I've taken from this story (next to Mob Psycho, OPM, Ping Pong, bobobo, GTO, Cromartie High, Mashle, and nichibros as well as Berserk, Golden Boy [THE OVAS], Saiki K, etc.) huh thats alot, but hey, that's just a few examples of my efficacious love for this medium, manga. Which REALLY started with this series, but don't close off the tab just yet! Daijoubu, although I will briefly touch upon my personal love and connection ... (ooo lalala) to this series, I will still primarily be focusing on the series itself and not just memememe. Because I want youyouyou to develop just as much of a personal bond to this series as mememe on your own. Although I did in fact begin my venture with this series through the anime, my focus will be in regards to the manga, as I prefer that medium but implore you to experience both as you cannot go wrong with either. So what exactly is it that compels me to call this both the greatest manga and anime of all time, that had such a profound impact on me that I'd turn around my life for the better?

Now much like my Nichibros review, I'd wager that half of what you get with this series depends on your style of humor. Unlike Nichibros, which does have its fair share of feels at the end don't get me wrong, Gintama presents a style of humor that not only ticks all my personal boxes, but is also chock full of heart tugging tales with great characters and pearls of wisdom that are inarguably well-written. I mean at over 700 chapters, you best believe that there's more soul to this series than the amount of silver in the world! Er I mean more than just gags and goofs, because I discovered this series when looking for something that was similar to another all time favorite of mine, ‘Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo’! Which sure, to some may be nothing more than the most absurd animanga series of all time, but to me it's so much more. Among all the fart jokes, it taught me to not always take life so seriously and to always stay true to my values and be nothing less than my truest self no matter what others think! But I'll save that for my Bobobo Essay, so anyways what about Gintama?

At this point, I heralded Bobobo in my top three favorite animanga of all time. Convinced that no other series could top it in terms of its sheer absurdity! (and to a point that may still be the case. ..) HOWEVER, there was but one series that kept getting chucked at me no matter the recommendation site/algorithm I used, KINNIKUMAN! but also, GINTAMA! I am convinced that there is not a single silver soul, or megane adorning animanga otaku that has not had this series also recommended to them. Ya like comedy? Gintama! Ya like drama? Gintama! Battle shounen, Monkey magic, One Piece?! This silver balled series didn't get its reputation for nothin’! For me though, I was initially drawn to it by hearing that it has toilet humor. I was sold right then and there. You mean to tell me that there's a series that's as insane as bobobo AND has toilet humor, AND has this interesting looking character on the front of the first volume with silver hair and a badass looking robe to boot? So I figured I'd give it a shot, but did it come close to Bobobo in, not only it's humor, but over the top insanity?

In short, yes. But in long, not immediately. Allow me to explain. I'm sure by now, if this is a series you're considering picking up or are just curious to hear other's thoughts about it, then I'm 11% certain that you've heard this series described as a, “grower”. And this is a common sentiment I must concur with. For as much as the series's art, sense of astonishment from the world we're immediately presented with, and its sense of humor, I was honestly a bit miffed by the character designs. Admittedly when Otose was introduced I was REALLY gunning for her to be a non-recurring character because for some reason I found her insatiably ugly! Lo and behold, she'd become one of my top five favorite characters from the series. And basically that's this series in a nutshell, given it's length, the style of humor and remarkable tales you'll embark on, it's guaranteed that over time you'll develop a kinship to the series like no other. A common saying is that “The only person who says Gintama isn't their favorite series, is someone who hasn't read or watched it.”....”or it's just not their style of humor.” And that's the thing, it just so happens to be mine, and next to comedy manga, I love Shonen manga (I know it's a demographic and not a genre but you know what I mean). So basically what I'm saying is, that it's no wonder why I love the series so much and why this “review” has been nothing short of a madfan, (me) fondling Gintama's Gintama's. So let's get more literal, analytical, and nitty gritty into the aspects of this story that makes it the perfect animanga and my favorite piece of fiction ever written.

I'm not here to give you a synopsis, but an essay regarding my thoughts on this impeccable series. But with that being said, in short, we follow an odd jobs trio as they take on duties in a land of edo era Samurai that has been taken over by Amanto (aliens). So we're left to follow the crazy trials and tribulations that these three characters face in a world that combines both sci-fi and edo era Japanese Samurai culture into the craziest, hijinks ensuing landscape known to man with anachronism that Samurai Champloo creams at the thought of!

Character designs, while somewhat simple and blobish initially, become more refined and absolutely gorgeous as the series progresses. Accentuating the eccentric and impeccable world building/character designs/and story world as a whole as you slowly but surely develop a fondness for these characters. Giant inu's, tiny inu's, and even the most based prince known to man with a penis on his head and a theme song that demands whatever liquid it was you were consuming to be chucked from your nostrils upon hearing it! It has it all! And to think it was all drawn by a Gorilla who wants nothing more in life than to be a steamed cheese bun, and honestly who could blame him? As the series goes on, and especially towards the final few arcs, you'll have some impeccable spreads and art that demands all your ‘mirin and ogling attention. These pieces are beautiful and that's not even counting the phenomenally illustrated, funny, and creative volume covers, OR the random bits of extra art and illustrations that also make up a bulk of the volumes. I've yet to come across a mangaka hone and refine the beauty of his art like Sorachi. “But what about ONE?!”. Here's the thing, ONE started out amateurish but became GOOD overtime, and now he's got his own unique untouchable style I could only wish to achieve someday. Sorachi however started out GOOD but became INCREDIBLE (I'm talking at least to the same level of Akira Hiramoto of Prison School fame, to me at least) overtime. So please, when reading Gintama I implore you to take a second to admire Sorachi’s fantastic illustrations, ESPECIALLY some of those action pieces involving Takasugi and the Kiheitai before and during the silver soul arc.

So who exactly is it that created this incredible story that knows no bounds? The man in question is none other than Sorachi Hideaki. Now I'm not here to do nothing but jelque a man who doesn't even know I exist and will never read this essay. But what I will say, is that beyond his obsession for all things with a Dragon or monster prefix, I find him to be a compelling individual. One glance at his reader's corner in the aforementioned volumes, (again with oh so gorgeous art!) you'll get the impression that this man does not give a fuck. His blunt, literal, and annoyed nature contrasts with someone like Oda who, while silly in his responses to his readers, recognizes the wide age demographic and reach of his series and thus maintains a level of composure in his replies. Gorilla Senpai on the other hand just could not care less what others think and will bash his own series, fans, himself, his (poor) editors and it's own popularity to the same degree he critiques himself. I'm writing a whole blip of this because I've yet to come across an author/mangaka who seemingly abhors both themselves and the world so much and is yet still able to write and illustrate life changing stories that have impacted me on the deepest level known to man, as well as written humor that has transcended my consciousness beyond Earth's stratosphere. I'm just impressed that this man who seemingly hates life also see's the beauty in it and thus taught me that lesson as well.

For every fart, shit, and ball sack joke, there's a life lesson worth learning from these stories. Standing straight and living by your own rules, having a dream and chasing it, staying light and having a child-like heart that makes everything fun, changing for the better and not just for ourselves but for those we care for, learning and growing from our mistakes and to not be constricted by them, and to see the good in others instead of the bad. These are just some of the messages you'll get from this unabashedly vulgar series, and surprisingly so, probably when you least expect it.

Gintama is an incredible series, shit I just might even call it my favorite piece of media ever made. It's able to maintain its integrity with both its silly and serious side like no other and STILL manage to have you laughing your ass off to crying it back above your thighs for OVER 700 CHAPTERS with marvelous art, and so many unique characters and situations that you'll have finished it without even realizing it. If you made it to the end of my nonsensical and crazy ramble about my favorite piece of media ever created, then firstly thank you, secondly what the hell man?! You managed to do something more absurd in your free time than me?! If you went that far then you may as well also read 700+ chapters of a Samurai Sci-Fi romp written by a lazy gorilla. ANPAN!

"I started chasing after that weirdo samurai's back, and without even knowing why, I kept chasing after it and never stopped."

- Shinpachi, Lesson 601

This is going to be a long review, so buckle in. There is a short summary at the end to round everything up. So, where do I start with Gintama?

Easily the best element of this incredible series is the cast of characters that populate the pages. It is a unique skill to be able to write so many well-developed characters and to have them remain memorable. Where other mangas would often cast-off characters, or struggle to balance a large cast, Sorachi ... manoeuvres between characters with ease. From the main cast to the one-off appearances, Gintama really demonstrates how to create interesting and engaging characters, whether they are based on historical figures or entirely new creations.

Part of what makes Gintama great is that when we meet the cast, they are at their worst. Not their weakest where they need to train to be strongest, but they are the worst versions of themselves and they barely change. A lazy samurai who would rather spend his day picking his nose and reading Jump, an alien kid who picks up on the worst habits that humanity has to offer, a pair of glasses that struggles to maintain his straight man routine, a stalker ninja, a stalker gorilla, a mayonnaise addict, and more fill the series. And, while some of these traits may take a while to get used to, they become just as important to the characters as their good traits.

Every character feels like an important part of Gintama, helping to build the world that surrounds the main trio and becomes reassuringly familiar to the readers. Watching characters from previous one-shot stories come back is a great joy and part of the reason this works so well is that they are allowed to be the main characters of their own stories:

“It is those imperfect people that are the perfect protagonists.”

- Gintoki, Lesson 380

Another reason that the characters work so well is that they are built by Gintama's style of comedy. They are shown to be human (and amanto) in painfully relatable ways. While their worst character traits are often exaggerated, a lot of their struggles ring true to everyday life. From a homeless man choosing between a steady job or his morals to a shogun who wants to experience normality, there is a breadth of experiences covered which means there will be stories for everyone to enjoy.

The comedy itself can be very subjective. For some, the toilet humour will be too much and some jokes may fly over your head. I will say that this series is a great way of finding new things to read and watch, or at least appreciating the series' more. The comedy can be eclectic, but most chapters will provide at least a couple of laughs. This is a remarkable achievement when you realise just how many short comedy stories there are.

Sorachi is also a master of parody; either picking apart a well-used trope or targeting a particular series. A character could be going about their day and suddenly find themselves embroiled in a battle against ‘Breiza’ for a packet of cigarettes. The intergalactic setting really gives Gintama the scope to do anything and everything and Gintama doesn't waste its potential.

While some have suggested skipping the comedy chapters, that would be one of the biggest mistakes you could make. There are the arcs where you fall in love with the cast, where we learn about their fears, hopes and dreams. These are the arcs where we learn that the main character has a crippling fear of ghosts, or that the badass courtesan of death can’t handle her alcohol. Removing the. comedy arcs would change the experience of reading Gintama entirely.

The comedic stories also have some really important lessons to learn hidden in them, and establish the key character traits that are followed throughout the series. This is perhaps most succinctly summarised by Kagura:

“I like to fight. That’s the Yato’s instinct… but I won’t give in to it. However, from now on, I’ll fight with my Yato blood. I’m going to fight to change.”

- Lesson 3

The impact of these comedic arcs can be felt in serious arcs. From Kagura mirroring her bloodthirsty brother to Gintoki often having his past reflected by the antagonists he faces. The longer serious arcs may have been what launched it into the pantheon of manga and anime, but Sorachi is an absolute master of the short story; with some of the most emotional arcs spanning only a couple of chapters yet stirring a whirlwind of emotions.

Over the series, you can feel Sorachi’s confidence grow as he begins to spin more intricate tales, all while not losing his usual self deprecating style. It would have been easy to forego the comedy of Gintama in favour of telling a completely dramatic story, but this doesn’t happen. The moments of absurdity and comedy remain, preventing the series from becoming something unrecognisable.

The serious arcs really work to solidify the relationships formed over the series. While it usually rests on Gintoki to ground the cast when things become overbearing; Sorachi allows other characters to fill this spot. It these moments where the series really shows its heart. Watching a young alien risk her life for her adopted home even if those who reside there scorn her, or the Shinsengumi trying to protect those they care about despite the politics, we become a part of their world. Sorachi tackles a wide variety of themes through these characters and manages to make it work really well.

Perhaps it is stubbornness on not only his part but on the characters as well. Even when they change, it is never in a way that feels out of character, and if it is; you can bet that another is waiting on the side-lines to push them back on track:

“If one of us goes astray, the other two will beat some sense into him. It’s always been like that. That’s why we’ll always stay on the straight and narrow.”

- Kondo, Lesson 131

What makes Gintama truly stand out is Sorachi’s commitment to its premise and the willingness to go above and beyond to create some unique storylines that would not work in any other story. Two prominent examples push the series into being something more than a manga. The Character Poll Arc is probably the most famous instance of this, with Sorachi committing to the arc in such unexpected, but ingenious ways, that it will catch any new reader off guard. The absurd humour is mixed in with a couple of touching moments, but it doesn’t become tiring or boring.

Another arc that pushes the boundaries is the Kintama arc. It perfectly encapsulates everything that Gintama is while contained in a plot that only Gintama could pull off. This is down to many converging reasons and, if any had been out of balance, it could have easily gone wrong. But Gintama shows how much of a master Sorachi is at balancing the comedy, drama, and characters while including enough self-awareness to keep the reader on their toes:

“The whole point of this ‘Kintama’ arc was to show just how pathetic a protagonist you are, Sakata Gintoki… No… to show just how deplorable the manga known as Gintama is.”

- Kintoki, Lesson 379

Sorachi’s confidence in his storytelling is mirrored by the growth of his art style. Numerous panels demonstrate how much he has grown, with the serious arcs really demonstrating his skill. This is especially true of Sorachi's ability to capture facial expressions. I can easily remember my favourite panels and pages, with Lesson 516 being a prime example of his skill.

Gintama does a really good job of mimicking other art styles to really nail the parodies and Sorachi never shying away from portraying the characters in an unaesthetic light. Gintama is a series that revels in the imperfection of its characters.

And this is what makes it such a comforting series to read. It may sound surprising to those who haven’t read it, but there is a deep reassurance in Gintama. Maybe life won’t be spectacular or meet some impossible standard set by those around us. Maybe we won’t be Pirate Kings or become Hokage, but that doesn’t mean we've failed. There is a constant reassurance that it’s ok to feel lost and unsure and that, if we stay true to ourselves, we can keep our heads held up high. It might not be easy, but the characters who we grow respect are those who stick to this belief.

In most series, characters grow at such a rapid pace that they sometimes barely resemble who they once were. But they remain highly flawed, and these flaws are a part of what unites them. It wouldn’t be Gintama if they were anything other than imperfect in such noticeable ways. Gintama also has one of my favourite takes on friendship; foregoing the usual notion of being connected no matter what, instead taking a different approach. It is the differences, rather than the similarities, that bond these characters together:

“We’re not a family or anything. We’re not connected by blood and were born in totally different places. We’re not connected at all. And it’s because of that, that we won’t let these hands go.”

- Gintoki Lesson 659

Sorachi really created a masterpiece buried under an impressive amount of toilet humour. Gintama is a series that will always stay with you if you give it a chance.

The Summary -

Gintama is one of the most unique reading experiences to exist. The characters, the comedy and the plot are out of this world and the art improves in such a natural way that it is almost unnoticeable until you compare the first and final chapter.

The only two reasons to not read Gintama is if A) you don’t like manga with a lot of writing, because a lot of Gintama relies on speech and wordplay, or B) you really don’t like whacky/absurd comedy or toilet humour.

If these don’t apply to you, then give Gintama a shot because if you do enjoy it, then it will be one of the most rewarding reading experiences you could have.

After finishing the anime, I couldn't let the story end, so I took myself over to the manga; oh boy, was I not ready for the feels.

How can I sum up the entirety of Gintama? I really don't think it's possible. From comedy to drama to action to tragedy to triumph, this story and its characters have blown me away from start to finish. Not every chapter is perfect--some don't even come close--but the bonds that come out of this manga are an incomparable reward that I haven't found anywhere else.

It's well known that Gintama has set a never-before-seen precedent for comedy. Whether it's insulting ... the mangaka, parodying other stories, or breaking the fourth wall, Gintama has been able to meld them all into its own, special brand of comedy. No other medium has been able to pull off comedy like Gintama. There is so much care put into it, and at the same, it doesn't take itself seriously at all. I never got tired of experiencing it. And in that comedy, the manga allows the reader to become attached to the characters. It's able to make the reader love the characters beyond how funny they are.

And that makes the story of Gintama all the richer. Given that Gintama is comprised of comedy primarily, I am still and will forever be amazed that it was able to tell an entire story. Not only that, but the story didn't ever feel like it had gotten lost or was becoming nonsensical. The way the characters in Gintama were able to develop and change and have motivations that wavered and resolve that moved mountains was astounding. This story really did not leave any character out to dry; it used the time it had to build upon every character and make them into an invaluable member of the Gintama family. The characters you have to say goodbye to throughout the course of this manga were all sent off in the best ways they could've been. And through it all, the bonds only get stronger.

I really didn't expect this story and these characters to affect me as much as they have, but they've burrowed into me, and I couldn't be happier about it. If you need a story that's going to make you ache when it ends, and if you need characters that feel like family, Gintama is the best place you could go. Thank you, Yorozuya, for letting me into your family.

"One of the best mangas you will ever find in mangaland." - Shintako Inari.

Alright, I'll be honest- I kind of. . . didn't like the anime, so I ditched it for the manga. I watched the first three episodes, then decided to skip a hundred episodes, then skip a hundred more, then decided to abandon it. . . . making a V-line for the manga adaptation, and now I have to say that was probably the smartest random thing I've ever decided to do. Besides the art which I gave a 9/10, everything else is all tens. . . which is rare. Extremely rare. What ... the hell, this is the only thing on MAL I almost gave all tens to.
-
The story. . . well, it's pretty much a slice-of-life manga. To put it extremely, extremely, very, super duper, ohmahgod-a-whole-lot, unspecifically. Despite knowing this will result in a failed attempt, let me try to be more detailed-
Because the main characters, Gintoki & Co., are mostly missing a few screws, they have quite a. . . fun life. I don't remember exactly what Gintoki said, but it was along the lines of having a short, good life is better then having a long, boring one, which I must agree with, although I'm not doing anything to stop my life from being a long boring one. . . .
Anyway, before I get off topic-
The whole series so far is basically a whole bunch of separate arcs that are oddly connected in which either the main characters or supporting characters get into a bit of a tumble. Some of the stories can actually be sad (but that doesn't stop at least one of the characters from making a dirty joke) but most of them are outrageous. . . in an outrageously good way. How outrageously outrageous indeed. Outrageously outrageous oranges or outrageously outrageous orangutans? Or. . wait what. Uhh. . . . *scratches head*
Oh.
Anyway, most of them are like one big joke- you can take half of it and it would still be okay, but it wouldn't be as funny as if you read the whole thing. It's like how eating one chip is okay, but one piece of chip is nothing compared to the whole bag. Before I get off topic again, let's head start talking about the art.
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The art was great. Splendid. Perfect. Whatever teachers tell parents about their children. Hooowever. . . it wasn't my type of thing. While the art was detailed and the characters all looked nice, to be honest, at first, i got some of the characters mixed up. plis nuh haet. Anyway, the art was just fine as it is- i didn't even hate it. It just wasn't the type of art i liked the most.
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Now characters.
Weeeeellll. . . .
They're . . . unique, to be bland. To be more precise, I'd say they're probably my favorite sets of characters ever- even the supporting ones. The only reason you don't see any of the characters from Gintama on my favorite character list is because I can't fit all of them there, and sooner or later I'll start a mental conflict on which Gintama characters should be up there and I'd go insane.
I also love how, despite how seemingly goofy this manga is (not that i'm denying it) there are actually moments where the characters get serious and that is some serious character development as far as i can tell. In addition, in those moments when they do get serious, Sorachi Hideaki already has a uncommon but nonetheless superior and commendable setting placed.
Also, you can not disprove of every character in Gintama. You will at least find a handful that you feel you can not stay away from. If you refuse to agree with me, I refuse to believe your being honest.
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Enjoyment? Do you really need me to spell it out for you? Okay, fine then. Allow myself to bring a time machine and travel back to the past, allll the way to first grade. . . .
. . . .
"Alright children, how do we spell ten?"
"T-E-N! TEN!"
. . . .
*fast forwards back to the current time, whenever that is*
So basically, this manga is a ten out of ten. It doesn't matter if your starting on random volumes like I did (I went from vol. 15 to vol 6. to vol. 1. to 10 to 11, 12, 13, 24, 16, 15, 21, 22, 20. . . and etc. . .I do this alot.) you will STiLL find yourself loving Gintama. As it's a slice of life manga, you can pretty much read in whatever order you want to and it'll be fine, although you might get confused occasionally. *Looks away innocently and whistles*

I love everything about Gintama. From the way that gorilla jokes are somehow blended perfectly into serious moments; to the way that the series keeps ending, yet the ending never comes. And don't forget about the mosiac humor and dirty jokes. Those are all aspects that don't sound appealing at all, but somehow it all fits perfectly together and creates a series that you can become invested in emotionally.

I can't think of another manga that's had me laughing and crying within the same chapter. Gintama will have a dirty joke right in the middle of a serious tearjerking moment, and it won't ruin the ... mood at all. And somehow, it'll actually feel like it fits in.

The characters are wonderful and over time you can grow attached to them; even the minor ones. Everyone from Gin-san to our favorite gorilla is memorable and it's nice to see them make recurring appearances in different arcs.

I could keep going on and on about how much I love Gintama, but then I would be taking away from your experience. So if you haven't gone already, I highly recommend Gintama and I hope that you choose to read it.

Another amazing ride has ended.

I'm an anime watcher of Gintama(been a fan since 2016) ,but after watching it , I wanted to see how the manga is , so I took it from the beginning and I'm glad I did,it is my favourite anime after all.

There were some difficulties while reading it ,like the fact that till chapter 200 the scans are most of the time mediocre at best and many times horrible. But that didn't stop me,it's more of a warning to new readers.

For me Gintama has probably the best way to unfold its story, the fact that between comedies are serious arcs makes ... them to be more appreciated, than they would be ,if there was no comedy.It also is very enjoyable to watch characters that are most of the time silly get serious .It's a hilarious,heartwarming,beautiful ,cool and extremely well written story .

What can one say about the characters of Gintama?There is not a single one that is not likeable and all took the screentime they needed and deserved .Honestly ,I can't say anything more ,it is a perfect cast in my eyes.

The art is pretty good, nothing out of the ordinary ,but still solid. There are also times that it explodes and gets more than pretty good.

Overall, I consider Gintama a masterpiece among masterpieces .I would still suggest that you watch the anime ,as I consider it more approachable and good ,but the manga is great as well for sure . So if you are not a person that watches anime ,then go ahead and read the manga ,it's going to be an unforgettable adventure ,I promise

*This review was originally for 13 and has consequently been merged into Gintama*

This was a short story, but never kept me bored when reading it! Its not a waste to read since its so short, hilarious, good art and overall a blast. The story line was very..... unique(: ! I've never really read a manga like this and that's why its on my top manga's :D! Id definitely read it alllllll over again if i had the chance! So i recommend this manga to every manga reader.

HILARIOUS. Witty and well-written.

It's episodic, mostly, but has that awesome story of Gintama's past running through the entire thing (and I actually wish the mangaka would focus more on that because it's fascinating and the best arcs are always the ones that elaborate his past a little more). Super funny and great use of gags. There's even like four chapters devoted to people getting trapped on the toilet without toilet paper! HAHAHA! It was ingenious. Although this manga deals with samurai and shinsengumi and aliens and other mythical creatures, it's so refreshing and honestly AWESOME to throw all of ... those characters into a situation as seemingly trivial and mundane as getting stuck on the toilet without paper.

Super funny and all the characters are so damn likable. Gintoki and Hijikata are my faves, but I love the whole crew. Some characters are definitely better developed than others, but with the series being as long as it is now, the mangaka has had time to flesh out these characters. Actually some of my favorite arcs revolve around the supporting characters. The Madao arc and Mitsuba arc come to mind. Both of those arcs made me CRY! In a gag manga! WHAT.

I think some people may be put off by the episodic nature of the manga and the fact that it can get so random, but this is a gag manga at heart. And the gags are usually really funny and I love them! But despite me saying this, the absolute best stories to me are the more serious arcs. Benizakura is still my favorite, although the Yoshiwara arc comes very close cause we get Tsukuyo and Kagura/Kamui. The current arc regarding the corrupt Shogun Sadasada is soooooooooo good. I love when Gintama gets serious!

Very enjoyable series and one I always look forward to reading. (The anime is also fantastic. Great voice acting!!!)

After years of being a fan, I'm gonna leave a review for my favorite manga Gintama

Gintama is a historical focused manga with lots of twists and spices
Imagine a samurai world with flying cars and ships, and cellphones too. It would be a colorful world

The story is 10/10 for me. I love comedies and this would be the great mange for you if you also love that genre. Others may say the jokes a repetitive but still it is very hilarious for me and that jokes just represent Gintama. The use of comedy is also amazing especially when you're not a native jp speaker, some jokes ... needs to be researched to get it. Don't worry you'll still laugh s much but there's still something in the jokes that you don't know.
Comedy may be its main value but there are lots of arcs where you'll get hype by the cool fights, you'll cry also and arcs with mystery too. Gintama also leaves a message in every arc. It is really unique.

The art is 10/10. From the 1st chapter until the last chapter, the art improved and is really amazing especially their eyes. Fighting scenes too has those cool effects and how each characters' style of fighting is so detailed.

Here is the important part, character. It is a 10/10 to me, almost every character was given a development where you can understand them and laugh at it. All characters in this series are well written even the supporting characters. You might love how the characters grow in you or relate to them. Each character has their own uniqueness and comedic act. The characters make the series much more interesting. They also break the 4th wall (lol).

Enjoyment is 10/10. With all those lively characters, interesting arcs and beautiful cool arts, it's an easy 10 for me.

Overall is 10/10. You might think I'm biased because it is my favorite manga but that's what makes it my favorite. I'm gonna say GINTAMA IS ALREADY PART OF MY WHOLE LIFE!! It made me a better person even with those dirty jokes (lol) and it's really good feel to stay with Gintama from start to finish. I LOVE GINTAMA! SORACHI IS PUNK AND GENIUS!

Do it a try and see if you'll really enjoy it. :)

I cant express with words what Gintama means to me so i really don't know what to write i have so many things to coment, so many life lessons, but i have to write about it because of that.
Before I start I am going to leave a personal "complain", and this rewiew may contain spoilers,if you skipped gintama comedy arcs or chapters you will never understand the amount of 10/10 this manga has, Gintama is not a story driven manga, ... it is a character driven one, and the "not so serious part" develops greately the complex and human characters trough their many fails and personal problemens, witch reflect on the serious arcs, and to be more complete give them the emotional power they pose.
Gintama is not perfect and the show recognises it, and to me thats one of its points because that is really(for me ) one of the main themes, that in the end what realy maters is what you fell trought the series, and this shown does not fail in this aspect( it may sound like a heavy critic, but Gintama is exceptionally well writen and calculated) , the relation the characters have fell real, even if somethimes they do absurd or really stupid things, they still menage to reach you to the fulliest, hec the mistakes are probably the cause, quoting the manga Humans/Samurais are weak, coward, empty creatures whitch by "fighithing thenselves" aspiring to overcome thenselves, to became better persons give meaning to theirselves, become someone who own real strenght. What I've been trying to say the mistakes the autor and the character makes or their achievemenst give you a good laugh and imerge you deeper in that complex universe/world that many falled and still fall despite their age or knowlege in the area, just like the emotional stuf.
Im really not expressing my self well, but that is fine, because i dont need words to describe this manga, i enjoyed it to the end, it was a more than plasent and emotional journey, and in the end tearing myself up for the first time in my anime and manga history, with my silver soul, while the tears fell i was smiling, that is enough for me

Gintama: A Rollercoaster of Laughter, Tears, and Epic Battles

Gintama isn't just a manga; it's an experience. From the very first page to the last, this series takes you on a wild ride through a world where aliens coexist with samurais, and the most mundane tasks can turn into epic battles.

At its core, Gintama is a comedy manga. But it's not just any comedy; it's a blend of slapstick humor, witty satire, and clever pop culture references . But Gintama isn't all laughs. It has some of the most heart-wrenching and poignant moments I've ever encountered in a manga. The series seamlessly transitions from gut-busting ... comedy to intense drama, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time with grace and sensitivity.

The characters themselves are the heart and soul of Gintama. From Gintoki's lazy charm to the earnest but clueless Shinpachi and the lovably odd Kagura, each character is given depth and nuance, evolving over the course of the series in ways that will surprise and resonate with readers..